The University of Cincinnati women’s soccer team dropped a heartbreaker Sunday afternoon as UC Santa Barbara netted a goal in the 88th minute to defeat the Bearcats, 1-0.

Cincinnati and UCSB were staring at overtime with less than three minutes remaining in regulation when the Gauchos capitalized on a scramble in front of the Bearcats’ goal.

Madison Beckley from UCSB crossed in the ball to the near post, which made redshirt freshman Natalie Smith come out of net to corral the pass. As Smith came out of net, the ball was misdirected by a UC defender and bounced right in front of an open goal. Junior Christi Howard scrambled to clear the ball, but the Gauchos’ Indiana Mead was able to get her head on the ball and notch the game-winning goal in the 88th minute.

The Bearcats’ offense looked strong in the first half as they controlled the pace. UC tallied four shots and one corner kick in the first 45 minute.

The tide turned in the second half as UCSB put pressure on Cincinnati by outshooting them 10-1.

Cincinnati remains on the road next Friday, but they will not have to travel far as they take on Xavier at 7 p.m. The Bearcats then host Kent State on Sunday for a 1 p.m. kickoff.